ERROR On the Right hand, through a preposterous Zeal. Acted by way of Dialogue. 1 Between Mal-content and Flyer. 2 Between Flyer and Anabaptist. 3 Between Anabaptist, & Legatine-arrian. 4 Between Flyer and Legatine-arrian. 5 Between Flier, Legatine-arrian & Familist. 6 Between Flyer and Familist. 7 Between Flyer and Mediocrity. Whereto is also added, certain Positions touching Church and Antichrist: as without the true holding thereof, it is impossible for a zealous soul, to avoid either Schism or Faction. By Henoch Clapham. Eccles. 7. 18 Be not thou just overmuch, neither make thyself overwise: wherefore shouldst thou be desolate? 19 Be not thou wicked overmuch, nor be thou foolish: wherefore shouldst thou perish, not in thy time? Imprinted at London by W. White, dwelling in Cow-lane. 1608. TO EVERY SOUL that seeketh after Truth in humility: for God resisteth the Proud, and giveth Grace to the Humble. OUR Saviour foreseeing, that many (under the cloak of, Math. 24●23 etc. Going out of Babel) would go out of the Church, saying, Here is Christ, there is Christ; he chargeth his Followers, not to believe them: much less to go out. This wickedness is grown now so excellent, as if the true Christ could not be found otherwhere, then without in Woods, Mikes, by-Stables, Barns, and Hay-loftes; whereupon, all the speech now, is, Go out, go out of Babel, come into the secret places. Math. 7.15.16. etc. Our Saviour foreseeing, that Woluish-teachers should come to the people in Sheepes-skinnes (that is, in Sheepe-like conversation,) and by such sheepish outward morality, labour to cover their Wolvish, pricking, Schismatical Doctrine, (for Doctrine is the fruit there spoken of, their outward carriage being otherwise Sheepish,) he saith to his true Followers, Ye shall know them by their fruits: that is, you only, that be endued with the true spirit of meekness & lowliness, shall know them by the * This phrase is used in Proverbs 10.21.31. & 18.20.21. etc. Fruit of their lips, their schismatical Doctrine. They shall have the name of Prophets (a very good name) and their outward carriage shallbe like to Christ's sheep (a very commendable thing, and able to draw many) but examine once the fruit of their lips, issuing from them as Prophets, Tunc Lupus est in fabula, t hen he is a devowring Wolf; howsoever he say (as some did in Esaias time) Stand apart, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou. Isai. 65.5. And of such sort (saith the Apostle unto Timothy) are these, 2. Tim. 3.6. which creep into houses, and lead captive simple women laden with sins, & led with divers lusts; which women are ever learning, and are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. The Spirit of Prophecy, having so plainly fore-prophesied of our times, and false-spirites, what are we, that we should be negligent in trying the spirits, whether they be of God? And seeing that these spiritual Wolves, shall for their outward carriage and life, seem to be Christ's Sheep and poor innocent Lambs (and for that, many times be more worthy reverence, than some of the truest Teachers) it standeth people therefore upon, not to be carried with a few painted flimflams, but by the spear of Discretion, to gauge the side of the Grecians wooden Horse, for trying out, whether the inwards be not planted with engines of death. Latet anguis in herba; the fairest face hath not always the truest heart. Satan in policy, would have his Seminaries, in th'outward appearance, to excel Christ's Ministers; that so, as themselves be deceived, they may likewise deceive others. As for the true Ministers of Christ, Satan must needs labour to spot them outwardly, seeing he cannot keep back the doctrinal sap of God's spirit; which distilling from the lips of the Teacher, is to beget and feed many. Hereupon it is, that true Doctrine is often rejected, because of some external want in the Teacher. And again, because of some excellent commendable outward things (in a Duckfrier, or a smooth Pharise,) any doctrine is easily swallowed, be it schismatical, heretical, or traitorous: A plain sign, that such people are yet destitute of that spirit, whereby they should be able to try Doctrine, and discern Spirits. And not only that, but also full of giddy passions, and headstrong affections; as will appear in the ensuing Dialogues: where the very natural character of such spirits, is by me set down; not without sundry years experience had of them all: as also with no small expenses. If thine heart be unhardened, it will easily join with me: If otherwise, yet herein I shall be comforted, that in this work I have served God and his Church truly, though weakly. If something in the Conferrours seem too light, consider first, it is but the natural character of that spirit: and secondly, that it is but as a feeling of that spirits pulse, without any commoration or dwelling upon it. As I could, I have done. If it please, it is that I pray for: if it displease any, I shall (through God's grace) not only peaceably pass by it; but also, with patience await the change of their judgement and affection. Farewell. Thine as he may, Herald Clapham. THE FIRST DIALOGUE, Between Mal-content and Flyer. Mal-content. Mal-content. WEll overtaken Sir, how far do you travail this way? Flyer. Flyer. So far as Gravesend. Mal-con. So do I Sir: God bless us in our iornaie. Flyer. I cannot say Amen, to your Prayer. Mal-con. Why sir: Would you not be blessed in your iornaie? Flyer. Yes: but in saying Amen, to your Prayer, I should testify myself to be one in spiritual communion with you. Whereas, if you be that Mal-content, which I sometimes have seen at the Royal-exchange, you are a notable limb of Antichrist, and of all the Protestants, the most hypocritical: for you say, & do not. You say that the Church-governement in England is Antichristian; that is, opposite unto the true Christ; and yet with Isachar you bear the burden of the Son of perdition, and say that rest is good, whereas you ought, for redemption of your soul, to Fly out of Babel. Mal-con. Pardon sir; I think I should know you: Is not your name M. Flyer? Flyer. It is: and I charge you in pain of damnation, to fly out of Babel. Mal-con. First, it is a question (sir) if so the Church of England may be truly called Babel. Secondly, if so it should be proved a Babel; the question is, whether I may go out of Babel without the kings leave. First, for that Israel came not out of Egypt, before Pharaoh gave them leave. And secondly, for that the Jews came not out of Babel, till Cyrus gave them leave. I pray you (sir) therefore, let me hear what you can say: first, for the proving it Babel: secondly, for our lawful flight from it▪ Flyer. O sir Mal-content, have not you yourself taught in word and writing, specially in your suits to Parliament, that the true government of Christ jesus (consisting in Pastors, Doctors, Elders, Deacons and Widows) is lacking; and that Antichrist in the room thereof, hath foisted in the government of Archbishops, Lord Bishops. etc. who with their long-swords do keep out the Ordinances of Christ jesus? Have you not so taught and written: Mal. content. Indeed, I think I so writ once in a Sermon upon Rom. 12.6, 7, 8. and in some of my Petitions to the Parliament. etc. Flyer. In your. etc. you may understand many other Books, the most of your public Sermons; and specially your Conventicles in secret, where your private Disciples might privately applaud you. And if you remember, I was one of your Classis, when in Cambridge you (in secret) chattred out that Sermon upon Rom. 12. which afterwards was published without name; because (it seemeth) you were not minded, for it publicly to take up Christ's cross, and so to follow him. Mal-con. You Flyers, be exceeding harsh in your censures. Flyer. And you sir Mal-content, exceeding double in your dealings. But to come to the point: do you not stand a member of that Church, whose government is Antichristian? Mal-con. What if I do? Flyer. Then you are a member of Antichrist, and all your Prayers and preachings but so many badges of the Beast: and all accursed. Mal-con. But it may be, I stand no ordinary member of that Church. Flyer. Are you a member of the Church of England, yea or no▪ Mal-con. A member I am, but no Ordinary member. For though I sometimes hear some man preach that is but occasionally, as a man passing by some Scolds, might occasionally give them a while the hearing. And as for the sacrament of Communion, I never meddle with it; because Righteousness can have no fellowship with unrighteousness: and so I am no ordinary member. Flyer. O monstrous hypocrisy, with your two-peny-ordinary. Was it ever heard of in the Bible, that a man should be a member & not a member of a Church; which you call a member not-ordinary. So I may be a member of the Church of Rome, a member of Mahomet's Synagogue, and of whom not. It this be not a Babel, a Confusion of men and manners, what then can be? But answer to this question: Under whose government are you, whiles you are in a parish Church, hearing a Preacher of the Bishop's ordination? Mal-con. To speak the truth, under the regiment of Antichrist. Flyer. Are you not there held for a Subject to the said Antichristian regiment? Mal-cont The most (it may be) do: but (it may be) that some there know that my heart is against their doings. Flyer. So, the good testimony which you should seek for of men, doth rest upon, It may be, it may be. It may be you may leave this halting; but I know not when. The Prophet Daniel had not this subtlety, when (though he did well) he would not be thought of any, to do evil, as omitting duty of prayer to God. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, could (by your Religion) have bowed before the Idol, and notwithstanding have said, that their hearts were against it: and one of them could have borne witness of another's good meaning. But they had learned, that both body and soul were bought with a price (even with the blood of the immaculate Lamb) and therefore they must glorify God in both. Truth is naked, and seeks none of these corners. But tell me, I pray you: If the King should give all his Subjects leave, to forsake all communion with the Confused people, liturgy and government of the Church of England, would you not for sake them all, and betake you presently to that Church whereof I am a member? Mal-cont Indeed, I should. And that is the main point in truth, the King not giving leave to come out of this Egypt, this spiritual house of bondage. Flyer. Mal-content, You term your Church very fitly, A spiritual house of bondage. And because Spiritual, therefore not to be frayed in till the King give leave to go out. Do more than the Thief, Adulterer, or Durtherer, is to stay in his sin, till the King bid him go out. And yet these evils against the second Table only; whereas the other is hypocrisy in Religion, and flat Idolatry against the first Table of the ●orall law, which commandeth Holiness towards God, as the second enjoineth Righteousness towards man. Though Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, and their brethren, might not depart Babel & them coasts, till the King gave leave; yet they might, ought, and did depart from their Idolatry and false worship, howsoever their Godyes (for testifying against it) were hardly entreated, and still kept in corporal bondage. Mal-con. Me thinks (M. Flyer) you now ●uch yourself, who departs the kings territories, and your own native land, which is more, for planting a Church amongst a people of * Ezek. 3.6. hard language. For which respect, a principal Norwich-man of your sect, hath held you for a true Church, while ye were in your own Nation. But departing once the limits of your own language, he hath taught, that so ye apostate from Faith and Charity, and to be no true Church. I think you cannot answer him. Flyer. If I could not, yet that is no excuse for your standing in spiritual evil. But I pray you, did not Elias fly in time of persecution? Did not our Saviour so, and teach his Apostles to do so: malcon True, but no flight to continue with any people, whose language they understood not: much less, there to plant a Church. Flyer. Well, for that point I am not yet studied: I will ask council about it: Mean time, look you to your winding and doubling, even against the light of your mind, and confession of your mouth. Mal-con. Nay, we have (some of us) more exceptions against you. For you cannot be contented only to depart from us, but you condemn every soul of our Church, for a limb of the son of Perdition, and so to stand visibly in the state of damnation: Whereas you know well enough, that many of us groan under the burden of sin, and do strive after that is good. Flyer. Mal-content, Mal-content, you must not only groan under sin, but grieve at it, and fly from it, as I, and others have: who as He-goats before the Flock, have gone forth, with our faces towards Zion. Mal-con. Besides (M. Flyer,) in the writings you publish, you fill all the Margins with allegations from Scripture, and the most to none, or to a lying purpose. As to give one instance. It is held of you and us, that the new Testament hath his peculiar form of Church-government, given by Christ; and that the old Testament hath his peculiar government, given by Moses. And yet for proof of Christ's Discipline and Institutions, you quote Scriptures from the old Testament, which plainly establish the Mosaical orders. A second instance may be this: Such Scriptures as speak of the invisible Church (known to God, for holy and unspotted) you quote for probation of the visible Church her state and constitution, which you intend must be Visibly all holy and unspotted in this life. If such allegation of Scripture, be not a notable taking of God's name in vain, I then understand nothing. Flyer. First, let it be so: It shall be but as some of you have done before us. Let the Records be searched. Secondly, when the particulars shallbe by you, or any your side produced, we shall give in, a reasonable answer. Mal-con. Nay sir, which is more. M. Henry Barrow drawing a Description of the true Church▪ when he comes to deliver the Canons of discipline▪ he in that sheet of Paper, doth after the Excommunication, place that Canon of the Apostle, in 2. Thess. 3.15. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother, because he believed, that excommunication was a power to edification, not to destruction. Your Congregation then, some years after his death, do reprint it, putting to it the old date, corrupting his method, falsifying his Will, by placing the said Canon before Excommunication; because after the casting out, you would rid your hands of all tenderness and compassion, as delighting in nothing more, then in bitterness against the soul distressed. The Apostle can say, Gala. 3. 1● Though it be but a man's Covenant (or Will) when it is confirmed, no man doth abrogate it, or addeth any thing thereto. But you have done that which No man (that is, no honest man) would do, in so causing his Will to speak contrary to his meaning. Flyer. Mal-content, I cannot believe that thou sayest. Mal-con. But I believe it, and the Copies will prove it. Besides that, I know him which reproved that evil, at the coming forth of the second Aedition at A. at the charges of Arthur B●llet. Whereas the first was printed at D. where other Writings also of the same man, were then printed. But in a word (M. Flyer) there be divers of us are minded ear long, to leave the Church of England; but with these provisoes: First, to join with your congregation we dare not, and that because of the many bloody unrepentant censures lying upon the neck of your Church, as M. G. Io. hath laid down plainly in his Book against your Society: Secondly, in departing the Church of England▪ We are minded notwithstanding, to hold many of them, Disciples to the true Christ; and so doubtless, we shall find some succour from them. Flyer. I thought (Mal-content) thou wouldst discover thine hypocrisy. Thy flying from Babel, shallbe yet with applauding some in Babel, that so out of Babel thou mayst have some maintenance. I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the band of iniquity. Either hold the Church of England (as the said Protestant doth) for a true Church, with some wants; for which notwithstanding, the Church is not to be forsaken: or, hold with us. A true Church it was never: or if some time it were, it now is no more a true Church, then the Church of Rome. Halt not therefore between two opinions. If jehovah be the Lord, follow him▪ but if Baal be the Lord, then follow him. Mal-con. Master Flyer, I neither hold your side for jehovah, nor the Church of England for Baal. But for your side, I hold it as an Error on the right hand; and the other side, as an Error on the left hand: In m●dio quorum consist●● virtus, In midst whereof I stand, and between which I mean to walk. Flyer. Mal-content, thou wouldst fain ●alke between the bark and tree, and ●ot be pinched. Thou wouldst be one ●ith us (as afore) if the King would ●iue thee leave; and now we are, as an ●rrour on the right hand. Again, thou 〈◊〉 one of these days, without the ●inges leave, take leave of the Popish Antichristian government, and yet justify many bearing that mark of the Beast in hand & forehead, for Disciples of the true Christ. Iwis, thou holds thou knows not what; and they be seduced that swallow thy doctrine. But be thou, and some, as ye shall, I have no small hope, that thousands in England (that now stand on the tiptoe) will ere long, fall flatly on our side. Hear you not of Teachers and people, in the farthest parts of Lincolne-shire and Nottinghamshire, etc. who are flatly already separated. Mal-con. I heard of it th' other day, by a London-Preacher; who sorroweth much for a Gentlewoman of place, who is said, to be absolutely gone from the Church. But as I know some of them Teachers, and specially him that is said there to have baptised one of their Children in a Barn: so, my hope is, that their Separation is not so far as yours, but one with that which I purpose. Flyer. You purpose you know not what. Besides that, more, and new ●indes of Separation, will cause the 〈◊〉- Protestant to be more stiff in his standing: and the time-server will thereby take occasion to stout at us all. Mal-con. Then come back unto us. Flyer. Nay, come you forward unto us, and so become more perfect. But stay, is not this Gravesend hard by? Mal-con. It is. Flyer. Then be we hushed, for fear some overhear us, that may give intelligence to the crabbed Searchers. For the truth is, I am with the next wind, to go to Sea, and I fear none beer, so much as that kind of cattle and busy-body, prying into this, and peering into that: that a man can hardly have a sword scabbard lined with French-crowns bowed, as D. Arthur Billet had; or an old clumperton pair of Shoes, whose soles be lined with Angels, as my brother George Clayton the Brick-layer had, but they will either by a privy search find them; or the fear a man shallbe put unto (while they be about these) will be so terrible, as a sickness worse than the sea-sickness) will suddenly surprise him. Mal-con. Were it not at the first, you denied communion with me in Prayer (which makes me suspect you disdain all fellowship with me at Table) I would willingly invite you to a joint of Meat and a pint of Wine, before our parting. Flyer. For that sir, it is but fellowship Civil; whereas the other is Spiritual. We may eat & drink with a Turk, but not pray with a Turk. Mal-con. Will it please you then (sir) to take a Dinner with me? Flyer. I will, and I thank God for it; who will have Elias fed, if but by the ministery of an unclean Raven. Mal-con. Do you then hold me unclean? and yet the Raven (I take it) was not unclean till he was dead. Flyer. In your present standing, you are dead in sin; and you, and all your actions unclean. Mal-con. Are we so? Then doubtless the Cook is unclean, and the Victuals unclean; and you by eating them, should be unclean: and therefore, go shake your ears for your Dinner. And if you do further provoke me, it is like I shall make the Searchers acquainted with you and your clean Nobles: And yet they, being coined by men unclean, they shallbe unclean also.. Pack and be quiet, for fear I provoke some to shave you of all your uncleanness. THE SECOND DIALOGUE Between Flyer and Anabaptist. Anabapt. HOW far do you travail, sir? Flyer. No further then Middleburghe, to night. Anabapt. You come newly from Sea, do you not? Flyer. verily I do. And happy it was for the Ship (as a merchants factor could lately say) that I was in it: for had not I longed earnestly after Zion; and according to God's decree, were predestinated before all worlds, to come safely unto the true Church planted in these parts, as the Factor could say, all the Ship had been cast away. Anabapt. What true Church is it (sir) which you mean is planted in these parts? Flyer. Certain Englishmen, separated from the Whore of Babylon: I mean the Church in England. Anabapt. Fron the Protestants Church, mean you? Flyer. The very same. My heart leaps to think how far I am got from the skirts of that proud bloody Fornicatrix. Are you a Dutchman, that you can parley so in English? Anabap. I am; and sometimes was a member of the Dutch-church that is in Norwich: But God opening mine eyes, to see the falsehood of that Church, I forsook it, and came so into these parts, to live with a Congregation purely christian. Flyer. What, with our people I pray you? Anabapt. There be certain English people of us, that came out from the Brownistes. Flyer. From the Brownistes? Whya, they be the people that I come to. But I pray you, let me admonish you of one thing: Leave that term of Brownist, for they despise Brownes standing, I tell you. Anabapt. Yea, they despise his present standing, for that he is returned to the Church of England; but mean time, they have slapt up his Vomit, and maintain the blind Schism he made from that Church. Flyer. Call you it a blind Schism? Blind they be not, that see the Holy things they see. Nor Schism is it; but a faithful departure from Babel. Anabapt Babel? You know not what ●abel means; for they be a people over head and ears in Babel: so far from being fled from it. Flyer. Prove that, and I'll leave my Religion. Anabapt. You leave it? You may say, if God will give you the Grace to leave it: For it is a peculiar Grace to leave Sodom and Egypt, spiritually so called. Flyer. It is truth you say. But I pray you, Of what Religion may you be? Anabapt. Of the true Christian Religion; commonly termed Anabaptism, Tron our baptizing of people again, coming from the false Church; whereof your Congregation is a main arrogant member. Flyer. I tremble to think, that you should dare so to blaspheme the Tabernacle pight of God, and not of man. Anabapt. Pight of the Devil and the Antichristian man.. Let me spur you one question; Are you baptized? Flyer. That I am, I thank God. Anabapt. Who baptized you? Flyer. A Minister of the English Church. And (I thank God) it was done with a Sermon, and without the Cross in the forehead. Anabap. Are the Ministers of England, true Ministers? Flyer. No; they be slaves to Antichrist, in all his inventions. Anabapt. Mark what a fool you be; neither call I you fool Unadvisedly. You separate from Babel, and yet justifies the ministerial action; of the Ministers of Babel. Can they be Antichristian Ministers, and their essential ministerial actions Christian? Hath Christ appointed any limb of the Beast to keep his Signet, and to seal his people with Baptism? Hath Christ given power unto any to Baptize, to whom he saith not first, Go and teach? Will the Ministers of Antichrist, seal unto the true Christ? Flyer. Though they and their places be Antichristian, yet the Baptism may be Christian. Anabap. Once again, if happily God may bring you out of that mystery of iniquity: Was the Minister himself, first a true Christian before he entered into that function? Flyer. No▪ for he was a limb of that Beasts body. Anabap. Did his ministery then make him a true Christian? Flyer. At no hand, being a Minister in the body of the same Beast. Anabap. He being neither a true Minister, nor so much as a true Christian; and yourself also, a member of the same Antichrist, How could you by his Baptism become a true Christian? Out of a bitter Fountain, can there come any sweet Water? As the first fruits are, are not also the branches? Flyer. I was no true Christian then, nor it any true Baptism: but now being separated from them (as these of the Ten Tribes which came unto juda. ) My Baptism is good, as their Circumcision then became good. Anabapt. Englishman, the Comparison is not alike. They of Israel were commanded to circumcise; but no Minister of Antichrist is commanded to Baptize. The Israelites were a people, that had been a true constituted Church; but as yourselves say, England was never constituted of, or to the Lord. Thirdly, any Israelite might circumcise his Child: but in your opinion, a Preacher of the word may only do that. Till therefore, you can prove, that the English Minister, did but the commandment of God in baptizing, as the Israelite did it in Circumcising, you may go with the Beasts mark in your forehead, as old and young in your Church carry it. But come we to another point. ●●e you hold that Christ, which your egyptian Priests did teach you? Flyer. Yes verily; and by Gods help so I will. Anabap. And yet you are come out of Babel. Can they that teach people daily the true Christ be Ministers of Antichrist▪ Are they not true ministers that teach and seal to the true Christ▪ Or if they 〈◊〉 false Ministers (which you grant) must not their principal felsehood ●●en lie, first in teaching a false Christ; and secondly, in sealing to the false Christ? That is, the Ministers can not be Antichristian, but they must direct ●●d sign the people unto Antichrist, under a colour of Christ,) and that only can be the mystery of iniquity. But another question: By what ●eanes seek ye to be one with your Christ? Flyer● By Faith only; which is wrought 〈◊〉 my heart, by the outward ministery 〈◊〉 the word, and the inward operation 〈◊〉 God's spirit. Anabap. Silly, silly: Can you call these Ministers of Antichrist, whom you defend for such, as have not only (a● you say) taught you the true Christ but also, lead you by the true means unto that true Christ. Thus the blind hath led the blind, and both tumble in the ditch. Either make the Tre● good, and his fruit good; or make it bad, and his fruit bad. O friend! I muse not, though you stand amazed▪ I myself was sometimes in such 〈◊〉 straight; but he that gave me simplicity of heart, gave me to wind out of tha● Labyrinth. john could not see the mystery of that Beast in the apocalypse, till he went out into the Desert. God might (for your lynsi-wolsie Faith) have cast you away in the Sea; but in mercy he hath reserved you unto a better hour. He did not cast me into your way for nothing; I hope fo● a blessing, though otherwise in your perishing, I should become a good favour unto God. Thou in the Heavens, take the Scales away from his eyes, that he may see into the end of things that are to be abolished. Flyer. Me thinks it should be true, that the ●●ues of Satan, should only serve ●atan in their ministry, as the Gally●aues with Oars, do serve the Turks Lieutenant. Anabapt. A very good comparison: whose Servant one is, his works they do. For no one can serve two Masters, specially, so cross as Christ and Antichrist. Flyer. I pray you sir, then what be the Articles of your faith? Anabap. For that friend, remember what is written in Ezek. 43.11. When they be ashamed of all that they have done, show ●●em the form of the house, and the pattern thereof, and the going out thereof, and ●he coming in thereof, and all the fashion thereof, and all the ordinances thereof. & c. ●●ploying thus much, that the Holy mysteries are not to be revealed, but only to such a soul as is first ashamed of all by-paths of false worship. ●or the children's Bread is not to be ●st unto Dogs, that will ball against ●●e truth; nor Pearls unto Hogs, ●●at wallow in their own shame. Flyer. I am ashamed of my standing; not only with the Protestant, but also with the Separist and Private: and I firmly betake myself to your Faith, till death us depart. Anabapt. The Dew of heaven come upon you. To morrow I will bring you into our sacred Congregation, that so you may come to be informed in the Faith, and after that, to be purely baptized. Flyer. Thanks reverend man of God. I think sir, you are some Minister yourself? Anabapt. That word Minister, fitteth not. I am a Prophet of the Lord, spoken of in the eleventh of the Revelation, which in homely apparel (as Sackcloth) do bewail the people's sins, protesting against the Beast, that come out of the bottomless Pit. And (as I had in vision this night) the Beast in time, shall put me to death, for the Holy testimony: But an Angel hath comforted me, and saith, that before that time, I shall turn the hearts of many Fathers to the Children; and the hearts of Children to the Fathers; lest otherwise the great power should smite the Earth with cursing. Flyer. O sir, me thinks the spirit of life is entered ho●te into me. Me thinks I could leap into that passage-Cart, and prophecy Fire upon England and all English Sectaries. Anabapt. Stay holy Proselyte, thou must first be baptized▪ and have some divine Vision from above. And so being made a perfect Em●usiast, thou▪ shalt be able to turn back the Floods of jordane. But stay, one is at our heels. If we fall into any talk of Religion, lay you your hand of your mouth, and be silent. Flyer. I will, O miraculous Prophet. THE THIRD DIALOGUE Between Anabaptist and the Legatine-Arrian. Legatine-Arrian. WEll overtaken Father; go you unto Midleburghe? Anabap. I do sir. Legat. ar. I would be glad of your company: and so much the rather, for that you are gray-headed; and Moses commandeth such Youth as I am, to rise up before t●● gray-headed. Anabap. Thou sayst well son; and I am glad thou readest Moses with some observance. Legat. ar. Without such divine reading and observation, Man is worse than a Dog. What religion are you of, Father? Anabapt. Of the true Christian religion. Legat. ar. Professed according to what, what form, Father? For the Papists profess him according to one form, the Protestants after another form: and so the Puritans, Brownistes, anabaptists, and others. Anabapt I profess him (son) after that manner, which is reviled by the name of Anabaptistes; though Anabaptism or R●-baptization, is a thing we be not ashamed of, but rather glory in; as having only power from the Lord, to deliver that seal of Baptism. Legat. ar. Are you baptized then? Anabapt. I am son. Legat. ar. And I am of mind, that there is no true Baptism upon the earth. Anabapt. Not in the earth? I pray thee son say not so. The congregation I am of, can, and doth administer true Baptism. Legat. arr. Say you so Father? Your congregation (as appeareth in Sleydan) is but, as of the last day. Was not the true Church (according to S. john's. vision in the Revelation) to be for many years invisible, and not to be seen in the earth? Anabapt. That is certainly true. And so I think, my Brother that here walketh with us, (your countryman, forsooth) is accordingly minded. Flyer. I am. Legat. ar. I am of the same mind; and therefore conclude thereupon thus: The Church being to be latent and invisible for many years, so that her place was no more to be found; it must accordingly follow, that there could be no more a visible Church, till some notable men were surred up of God, to raise it again out of the dust. Anabapt. I grant that: And notable men have we had. Legat. ar. The men that began the frame of the Church of Israel, were Moses and Aaron. The men that began the New-testaments Church, were the Apostles. All these were furnished with the gift of Miracles, for the persuading of their hearers: For without Miracle, they could not be believed to come from God, for establishing a new Church-pollicie. Now Father, who were the first layers of your Church's foundation? They must bring Miracles with them, or who (but madmen) will take them for new Founders? Anabapt. My son, we have had sundry men, that have been miraculous. Legat. arr. Indeed, Sleidan recordeth your Snapper-doling, and some others, that were marvelous for their Dreams; whereupon they practised all filthiness and intolerable bloodshed. But to pass by that, and the like: Of whom had the first of your people his Baptism? The first had it (doubtless) in the Church of Rome, and so consequently from Antichrist: and Adam the first, being impure, we that follow, can be no better. As is the first fruit, so be the branches. New Baptism there can not be, till there come new Apostles. New Apostles there can not be, who are not endued (from above) with miracles. Miracles we hear of none, (only of idle Dreams) and so consequently, no true Baptism in the earth, nor any one true visible Christian. Anabapt. Do you not believe yourself to be one? Legat. arr. Not: for alter an utter ceasing of visible Christianity, there can be no raising up of that work to visible appearance, till Ministers have begun it, who may by Miracle confirm their calling. For not our Saviour Christ, would so much as abolish the Shadow and establish the Substance, but he would first unto the people, clear his calling, by an effectual declaration of Miracles. And what are you, that you should be believed of your bare words? Anabap. I perceive son, that thou art against all Churches, and all Churches against thee, as was the hand of flouting Israel, turned out of Abraham's house, the father of believers. Legat. ar. You are au old Dunce, to liken me unto Ishmael, a figure of Reprobates. For you and others once granting, that the Church (according to that in the Revelation, chap. 6.14. represented by the Heavens) departing once away, as a Scroll when it is rolled; must needs thereupon conclude, that there could be no more a true * A being. Esse of the Church, till (from God) some miraculous ministery, should breathe new life into the people; as of Stones raising up Children unto Abraham. Anabapt. A true Esse, What is that? I hold my life, it is somewhat of the Roman beasts language. Legat. arr. I despise the seven headed Monster more than you. Neither care I a straw for Hebrew, Greek, or Latin: for (thanks to his divine Majesty) I never was an University-man, much less an Academical Divine, or Theologue; nor have I troubled myself about the Beasts tongue. Only, as in reasoning I have been pressed with such a word, I have observed it, for slaying (another time) the Medianite with his own sword. Anabapt. Fowl Heretic; I would thou knew it, I hate this profane learning and language, so well as thou. I am a Prophet of the true Church, and yet get my living by making of sword, the first calling I was trained in. Legat. ar. Whia, sir fool, you hold the Magistrate, to be only an Ordinance (since Christ's time) without the Church; and that the use of the Sword is unlawful. You therefore in making sword, do uphold Bloodshed and Wars, which otherwise you hold unlawful: And so a raucke hypocrite. Anabap. Saucy princocks, the Apostle hath charged us, to walk in the same calling, wherein we were called to be Christians: but when I was called to be a Christian, I was a Sword-maker; therefore in that called I ought to continue. Legat. ar. Grey head, and green mind; by like proportion I reason thus. The Apostle commands a man to walk in the same calling a man was of, when he was called to Christianity: But when I was called unto Christianity, my calling was to keep an whorehouse; therefore, being now called to be a Christian, I ought yet to keep an whorehouse. Countryman, take heed of him: for, under his plain habit, void of Silk, Velvet, and Pearse, (and yet, I warrant thee, of as softly English cloth, as his Purse could purchase) there lurketh all counterfeit dealing. He would be thought most adverse to the Romanistes, and yet in the doctrines of Predestination, free-will, & justification, (main fundamental points) he jumpeth one with them: besides that execrable Heresy, that Christ had a Corporal nature from Heaven, not from us; whereupon must necessarily follow, that then he could never satisfy God's justice for us. Anabapt. Heavens-power, how great is thy lenity, in bearing with such blasphemy! Faithful Proselyte, hawk in thine ear,— come to me there to night, or tomorrow morning, and thou shalt be inspired from above, with power to resist all the devices of such Charmers, charm they never so wittily. Farewell dear Proselyte, for I will trudge before, lest my ears become receptacles of his unhallowed breathings. THE FOURTH DIALOGUE, between the Flyer and Legatine-arrian. Legatine-arrian. Dear Countryman, may I be so bold, as to inquire, wherefore you came into these parts? Flyer. Good sir, to speak the truth, I came from the Separistes in London, with full purpose to join with that Church of them, which is in these parts: But meeting with this man, as I came from Flushen where I landed, and discoursing with him about Religion, I verily resolved to join with him and his Congregation. But perceiving by your Dialoguizing with him, that all is mere foolery, to believe, that either He, or Brownist, or Mal-content, is of any true Church; yea, that there can be no Christian communion, till a miraculous ministery be stirred up of God, for baptizing people, and calling them into Christian communion; I hereupon, have given him the bag. Fish where he shall, he shall have no Fish of me. And therefore (good sir) seeing it pleased the Almighty to save me miraculously from seas (and I perceive it was, for keeping me to be instructed of you,) my humble desire is, to understand of you, what a soul is to do in this case, there being not only, no true visible Church on the earth, but also, no true visible Christian? I beseech you pray for me, or else I know not what shall become of me. Legat. ar. Pray for you I may; but pray with you I may not. Prayer with one, is an action of communion, (as for example, if I should say, Our Father, Give Us this day our bread; Forgive Us our sins, Led not Us into temptation:) this should imply, that you and I were in communion or christian fellowship. But before that miraculous ministery (as afore) shall come and gather the Gentiles into such communion, and Elias come for calling the jews, there can be no such fellowship; and therefore no such prayer. When I come at my Chamber, I will pray for you. Flyer. I pray you sir, let me next Sabaoth day, have access unto your Congregation: for, I doubt not, but you have some Congregation here in Zealand. Legat. ar. How sillily you speak. I have all this while taught you, that there is no Church, nor visible Christian in the world as yet; seeing no miraculous Apostles have yet been sent to Baptize people, and call them into communion, and you talk of a Church. Besides, it is a notable badge of Antichrist, for any christian Congregation, upon the Sabbaths convention, (or any other time of the Church's meeting) to admit of any unbeliever or stranger to the faith, unto the Pastoral exercise: For, is it not written in 1. Cor. 14.22. Prophecy serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. Flyer. Then I perceive, that all such, as I have left behind me, have served Antichrist in hypocrisy; for they suffer any Infidel to come unto their exercise of Prophecy, or Preaching. But my Countrymen the Flyers, have herein sinned above all: for they permit infidelious Merchants and others, to come on the Thursday unto their exercise of Prophecy, when (ten to one) by reason of some brabbling cause then to be pleaded, the Congregation meeteth, ●ayeth, and departeth, without any Prayer at all, or exercise of their prophetical gui●tes. Legat. arr. Prophetical gifts; Prophetical fooleries. Tom Lace-seller, and Abraham Pin-seller (so I think M. Henry Barrow spoke in the Fleet) must come out and spatter their meanings; and this must be called the exercise of Prophecy. Flyer. O excellent man of God, I am sorry that we be come not● into the tail of Midleburghe: for that will broke off our Discourse. Legat. arr. O profane speech: you should have said, into the Suburbs of Midleburghe. Flyer. The word Suburbs, I took to be ● word of Latin, and so, of the Beasts language; which made me to avoid it. Legat. ar. Therein I commend your zeal. For in their Translations, they cannot be contented to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? but before it, they must put down their profane Latin, Elj, Elj, lamasab●thenj. Nor can be contented to say; God hath sent the spirit of his Son to cry, Father; but they must turn it, Abba father. At Amsterdam I once checked a Preacher that is now in England, for such fooleries; and he said, that it was so in the Origenall: but I will never believe it. Flyer. No sir: these limbs of Antichrist are not to be believed. Legat. ar. Hold you there; and I will assure you to become an excellent Divine in short time. But we are come unto the City: Where mean you to lodge? Flyer. I have Letters to deliver unto some English-factors, and they be to supply me with necessaries. But tell me where I may find you to morrow morning, and I will be early with you?: Legat. ar. hearken then— come thither early, and there you shall have me: But by eight of the clock, I purpose to set towards Camphor (a league of; that is, some three English miles) and so I will teach you a Mystery touching Christ, which you never learned. Flyer. I thank you sir: and I will willingly attend. THE fifth DIALOGUE; First, between the Flyer and the Legatine-arrian: secondly, between the Legatine-arrian and the Familist. Flyer. GOod morrow sir, are you setting on your journey? Legat. ar. I am: But I want means yet, for conveying a Bundle of Lists. Flyer. Do you then deal in Cloth-listes? I have heard, that it is a very good Merchandise. Well sir, if they be no more than these, I can easily carry them under my Cloak. Legat. ar. I thank you for it: you shall so save me a few Styphers. Flyer. I have couched them under my arm very well. Let us now set on our way. And I pray you sir, now discourse of the Christ, as you last night promised. Legat. ar. I will. If you mark all the limbs of Antichrist (whether Papist, or Protestant, or Anabaptist) you shall find them ignorant (every of them) of the true Christ. The Papist and Protestant, do hold him God and Man: So doth the Anabaptist; but with a difference. The first hold, that he is very God essentially; and very Man of man essentially. Yet seeing the word (Essentially) seemeth to be derived of the Beasts language, I will rather use the word, Substantially. Flyer. And I think sir, that that word savours somewhat of Romulus; for I remember, that in their Latin Grammar, there is, Substantinum hic h●●c hoc. Legat. ar. O, you begin to abound with the true Spirit, that will lead you into all truth. But Countryman, as the Apostle could not sail thorough the Seas, but in the Ship whose badge was the profane Castor and Pollux; so, neither can we sail thorough these Discourses, but in words stamped with the Image of the Beast. Flyer. O most excellent Theologue, I never observed that comparison. Legat. ar. You shall hear more excellent things than these. How the Protestant and Papist do hold Christ, we have learned at home. Now for the Dowper, that is, the Anabaptist, he holdeth him very God, passing through the Virgin's womb (as Wind through a pipe) taking nothing of our nature, (because then he should be a sinner) but bringing a bodily substance with him from Heaven: whether fetched out of the Father's divine substance, or out of the Angels spiritual substance, or out of the heavens substance, they know not. But the very truth is, He is to be held a mere Man, as was Peter, Paul, or I: Only, whereas we have the Spirit in measure, and were borne in sin; he had the Spirit beyond measure, and was borne free from sin. As for the Scriptures terming him sometimes, GOD, it intendeth not his Essence, but his office; and you know, that in such respect, the Magistrate is called God. And herewith all let me tell you, how lately in England, I gave a Magistrate the bag. I being convented before him, he begins to puff, he strokes up his forehead, and then sotted out this question. Sirrah, do you hold, that jesus Christ is but mere man as I, or an other man is? To whom I answered: They abuse me, and have abused your ears, that have reported any such thing of me. Then (quoth he again) do you deny Christ to be God? To whom I answered, No sir; I do verily believe that he is God▪ Do you so? That do I, (quoth I.) Then (quoth he) thou art of mine own Religion: Farefall, thy heart, for so satisfying me, and my learned Brother here: Go thy ways, thou art an honestman I warrant thee. And so was I quickly dispatched. The foolish Flatcap thought, that by my granting Christ to be God, I had meant as he meant; namely, God by Nature: whereas I meant, God by Office. Flyer. O notable learning: rare learning. Legat. ar. Now sir▪ it being mere Man that sinned, it must be mere Man that must satisfy God's justice: and therefore at first preached, That the Woman's seed should break the Serpent's head. As also, that He should be a Seed derived from Abram, from Daui●, from the Fathers: which accordingly in his time came to pass, and accordingly by suffering the ignominious death of the Cross, he satisfied for man; the righteous dying for the unrighteous. Bu● stay, is he not some Englishman that runneth after us? Flyer. I think (sir) it is one of the Hydutch, that passed in our Ship. An odd fellow I ween, if so one could found out his Religion. Legat. ar. Lay your farthel down, and that shall seem cause of our staying. But what causeth you to think he is of some odd Religion? Flyer. For that in some discourse between him & another, he seemed to conclude, that the Serpent which tempted Eve, was but some creeping crookedness of mínde, winding from God. As also, that Christ and Antichrists, were no real persons, but fashions of mind. Legat. ar. Au, au; I know then what he is: he is a plain Familist. They teach all their rudiments to their Children, by a familiar kind of Play, which they term, The Interlude of Minds. It was penned by one H. N. an Hy-dutchman; who also hath left in writing very many Books of that abstruse kind of learning. Some of our late Brownistes are entered into that Family. I know a * Io. L. a Weaver. Weaver in L●ndon (he was sometimes a Clothier of Somerset-shire, and after that, first a Brownist, than an Anabaptist, now a Familist,) he will say, that now in one quarter of an hour whilst he is in his Loom, he can comprehend far greater Revelations of the spirit, than (whilst he was out of that Family) he could in his whole life. But say you nothing, I will seem ignorant what he is. Familist. Sacrament a Godt; how weary I am, in running after you M. Flyer. Flyer. I thought it was you, Hans. Legat. ar. And you be not out of breath sir, I would we might talk of Religion. Familist. Marry best of all; and the spirit of Love be our direction. Legat. arr. What Religion (I pray you) be you of? Familist. Seeing you manifest yourselves to be religiously affected: and secondly, seeing we are out of the shot of the Magistrate, I shall freely tell you what I am. I am of the Holy family of Love; a Family in God, and in whom God is: for God is love. And out of this Love, there is no being in life. Legat. arr. Au; the Author of your Religion is H. N. or Henry Nicolaite the German. Familist. The Characters H. N. be Characters in the divine being, and not for flesh & blood to attain to. They be Characters of the Prophet of Love, as α and ω (the Greek Alpha and Omega) be Characters in the Revelation of the prophet of Grace; or rather, of the lovely-being; whom only the spirit of Wisdom can attain to. Legat. ar. You are all in your Lovely-beeinges; specially, when you are all gathered into your Church called Paradis●; and there being naked▪ and not ashamed. Familist. Flout not Brother, at the Louelybe●ing; nor at the power exhibited of the divine influence, unto such as are Deified, and God in them Hominified. Such perfection is in the Family of love, as nothing moveth in them but Christ, and the anointed Lou●. Legat. ar. What make you then of this flesh, or earthly body? Familist. That (dear brother) is nothing but the Beasts skin wherewith God clothed Adam; which is in the end, to turn back into the mother-earth, the spirit being then clothed with a garment that is from heaven, all beautified with the lovely-being. Flyer. Surely, this man speaketh deep matter. It half astonisheth me. Legat. ar. Your H. N. hath given you a Testament, far beyond the Bible's Testament. Familist. Flout not Brother; for the lovely-being teacheth all love and meekness with all simplicity. Did not john (a man full of the lovely-being) did he not in Revel. 14.6. see an Everlasting Gospel's carried through the midst of Heaven, to be preached to this last age; for the former Gospel perished by the power of the Beast. The two Prophets (Faith and Love) were stain by him, and their carcases only remained in the streets of the Harlot's City: that is, the spirit and life of Faith and Love were gone, and only a little outward profession of them left in the Beasts congregation. Leave your Scripture-lea●nednesse, and submit yourself to the spirit of Lo●●▪ and you shall not need to be taught any thing, but as that spirit shall teach you. Legat. ar. You are a paltry Heretic, for calling the Bible's faith, by the name of Scripture-learnednes. Familist Dear Brother, rail not: but submit yourself to the lovely-being. Legat. arr. You are a lovely-asse: and there is a lovely box on the ear for you. Famalist. Will you provoke me? Will you provoke me? Legat. ar. Why a sir fool; your opinion of Love is against fight. Famalist. Do not provoke me brother: for though I am of that opinion, I am yet clothed with the old flesh. Flyer. Arrian, take up there your farthel of lists, and be your own Porter: I perceive the Devil raging in thee, and the spirit of Love in him. And were it not, that the lovely-being forbids me, I would conjure the Devil in you with this Cudgel. Muff not, speak not; take up your lowsy-Lystes, and pack about your business, or I protest by the verity of my Faith, I will teach you to abuse the lovely-being. No Church? No Christian? Then vaunt Dog, damned of thine own conscience. Familist Lovely Brother, feed your enemy, but beat him not. Come Brother, and we will turn upon the right hand, and so walk together in peace, according to the instinct of the lovely-being. The Port-bell rings, it is now about the eleventh hour: The Gates will quickly shut up for dinner time: And therefore we will leave off talk till we come ●o some Taphuis, sparing our tongues, and taking more of our legs. Flyer. With heart and good will, O reverend father of love. THE sixth DIALOGUE, between Flyer and Familist. Familist NOw M. Flyer, you are welcome to my Slaep-huis. I am glad we be to freed of the proud brabbling Arrian. He● holds that the Son of God was the beginning of creatures; that is in his sense, the first creature that the Father created; as his companion the Lemurist, doth also hold him to be that created Light, which Moses saith, was called out of darkness: and this because S. john doth call the Word, by the term Light. All these heretical conceits do flow, from their literal senses of Scripture, being far from understanding the hid things of the Law. Thereupon also ensueth the dissensions and fiery contentions of all heretics, every one maintaining ●is own sense, with Fire and Faggot: ●hereas the spirit of Love teacheth ●is people, to be peaceaple with all, ●nd in all outward ceremonies and services, to be pliant to all men and ●heir laws; becoming all unto all, ●or winning of some: at least for their own peaceable being, in the service of the love. Flyer. To say the truth, I can see neither Papist, nor Protestant, Brownist nor other, but they be void of that Love, that should abound towards all; as God's love is towards all. And that is a plain sign, that God is not amongst them. Famalist. Sure yourself so. But it will not be amiss Brother now we be a little cooled, to drink a draft of Beer. Tannakin, Tannakin, tap de can, Tannakin. See you (brother) that cherry-cheeked Damsel that took up there the Stoop-kan? Flyer. Yes; and a very proper Maiden as I have seen. Famalist. Could you behold her naked, and not lust? Flyer. No man were able to do that. Familist. O, you're deceived: There is no one Goddifyed amongst us, but can behold many of them naked, without any carnal lusting. And were no● that perfection here to he had, than the second Adam should be inferior to the first Adam: and so consequently, no true recovery of Apostasy, nor entrance into Paradise. Flyer. Is it possible, that I should ever come unto that perfection? Familist. Yea, submitting yourself to the lovely-being. You must first walk through the first days work which God createth: then through the second: after through the third, fourth, and fifth. Coming afterwards to the sixth day, you shall become an Adam made in the likeness of God, and shall behold Eva naked, and never be ashamed. Flyer. This soundeth somewhat which you speak: but I understand it not. Familist Come Tannakin; how dost thou Wench: let us kiss; and tell me how thy pretty body doth?— Flyer. Why, how now sir? Are you a man that is Goddifyed, and hangs at a Wenches lips so wanton? Familist. O sir, she is of the seed of the lovely-being. We but Love, we lust not, as you and others would, that be out of the lovely-being. Flyer. lovely-being call you it? Keep your Loves & your Lusts to yourself; & God give me to see mine own home again. There is money for the Beer, and adieu lewd lecherous Familist. Familist. I pray thee sweet Brother stay, and take knowledge of the Being that is in love. Flyer. That's enough for Tannakin to take knowledge of. For my part, I can neither look, nor think of you, but I shall be truly ashamed: and therefore adieu you shameless companions. O Lord, pardon my great sin committed against thy Church in England: and for thy sons sake, bring me to be truly reconciled to that Church again.— I return, I return; sweet Father of Heaven, keep me in my return. The Seventh Dialogue, between Flyer and Mediocrity. Flyer. WHO is that which goes afore? mine old friend Mediocrity? Medocri. What M. Flyer; I heard you were gone beyond-sea. Flyer. I have been beyond sea a few days: This foreroone I but landed, and so am setting homewards as fast as I can. Mediocri. I pray you what a Land is it, you have been in? Flyer. Surely, I can not tell. All the time was there taken up with the matter 〈◊〉 the Tongue, as I had no leisure to survey the subject of my Feet. Bu● this I am sure, that a man can not pass there by the by-way, but he shall be assaulted with one transformed spirit or another. Never in my life did I meet with such Heretics, and deceitful Hypocrites. Had I not seen, & heard, and felt, I should never have believed. Mediocri. I am glad, that you have learned by Experience, what you would never learn by my tender Information. But I pray you, How stand you now affected for Religion? Flyer. Stand quoth ye; I have been so much acquainted with falling, as I know not well what to say unto standing. Meeting with an Anabaptist, and understanding the grounds of my Separation; he, by strength of the same grounds, did beat me from that hold, and spite my heart, made me to grant a separation from Doctrine, so well as from Discipline: so that I was ready, to turn Anabaptist. Then I met with a Legatine-arrian, (a perilous fellow,) he upon the grant, of no visible-Church for the time of Antichristes reign, did avoidable conclude, that neither any visible Church could yet be, till God raised up new Apostles, who might with Doctrine and Miracles, gather people to the true Faith, and so incommend unto them the Sacraments and other Ordinances. To him, overnight I consented: but hark what fell out the next day in the morning. Next day I met with a Familist. He by his talk of Love, Love, and the being in Love, and nothing but Love, so prevailed; together with his running glozing on Scripture, as I left all, to follow him, till I see his being in love and lu●t, with Tannakin the Tapuner: which shameful sight, made me to bid, Fie on them all. And turning my face homewards again, I plucked up my feet, to Flushing I came, stayed the wind a while, had shipping ready, and to Gravesend I came in a few hours. God have the praise for all his mercies. Me●ioc●. Then I hope, that you will return again to unity with our Church. Flyer. If I do not so, I must turn Turk, for any thing I yet see. I am somewhat ashamed to return; First, for ●hat I should be thought to be unconstant: and yet constancy in a Schism, ●s but obduration in ill. Secondly, I ●●care to become a ●●ast unto many, for ●auing so foolishly consumed my Pa●trimonie: and yet better be flouted at ●f a few me● for a time, then to be perpetually iea●ed at of Devils. Mediocri. Brother, brother, be contented to bear your shame, for passed folly. Know, and reverence your Mother, not withstanding her wants. Her wants be of the By, not of the Main. She hath the * joh. 6 68 Word of eternal life then whither will you go? Antichristianisme (as I often told you), consists not in every ill; for then every soul under heaven should be Antichristian: but it consists in such an evil as is fundamentally opposite to the Gospel, that is, to the Doctrine of Faith. For which cause the Apostle termeth Antichrist such an Adversary, as is * 2. Thess. 2.4. Antikeimenos, the layer of an opposite foundation. And such a one indeed, were he an Angel from Heaven, is to be held * Gal. 1.6, 7, 8, 9 Anathematized▪ The very § Math. 13. 24.&c. Wheate-fielde itself, (Christ's possession) hath tars not only in it, but also in Communion with the Wheat. Yea, in so strict communion with the Children of the Kingdom, as such evil-ones cannot be excommunicate with the good of the Church; and therefore permitted to grow, till GOD weed them out. The Tare is not every evil, for then every evil should grow, and the Church's censures were idle: but they be such evil-ones, as can be no more removed with the Churches good, than tars from Wheat, with which it first groweth up hypocritically as Wheat: but in time, discloseth itself for a close window about, not an upright grower. Wants are to be lamented, and the good not fled from: much less condemned for no Wheat, because it stands in some communion with tars. Other Weeds that grow loose from the Wheat, are timelily to be removed; and yet if the Husbandman sometimes neglect that duty, God forbid, that we should thereupon conclude, that all the Wheat is no more Wheat; and so no visible Christian in the lords possession. Nor do the Holy things of God, cease to be Holy, because they be sometimes conveyed to evil-ones, so well as to them be good, (even as the Rain is the same, which God sendeth upon the Wheat and Tare, Herb and Weed:) but the Holy things profaned, become * 1. Cor. 11.29. etc. judgement to the profaners, and yet cease not to be Holy (be it Word or Sacrament) to the Reverend receivers. O brother, the Sacrifices were seasoned with Salt, before they flamed on the Altar: and so should our Souls be seasoned with Discretion, before they flamed in our Churches. Some have Knowledge, & no Zeal; a cold house must-there be kept: and some have much Zeal, & small Skill; no marvel if he set the house on fire. No man (saith the Apostle) * 2. Tim. 2.5 striving for a mastery, is crowned, except he strive as he ought. This is far from being as it ought. 1 To call our Mother (the Church) an Whore, because she hath some wants; or in somewhat crosseth our humour. 2 To spit in her face, and to run away from her, so soon as we think we can shift for ourselves. 3 To go and band ourselves with other M●l-contents, for murdering our Mother, as having no life of God in her. 4 Yea, to proclaim all her Children Bastards. For if she were never a true Church, never married to Christ; then could she never bring forth a lawful, but a bastardly-seed. And so, all our holy Martyrs (dying in, and for the same Faith) should also with us, be Aliens from the life of Christ jesus. Fearful actions, & blasphemous conclusions. But better it can not be with such as withdraw unto perdition. O my soul! have no pleasure in them. Flyer. Sweet Mediocrity, I now see the soundness of all these conclusions, which before Experience, I but held as pleas for corruption. God lay not that sin to my charge; and he, for his sons sake, reduce other wandering souls, to peaceable unity with our Church; that so we may be as one flock, under that one great Archbishop of our souls, Christ jesus. Amen. Mediocri. Amen. Now we be come to the City; and it is hy-time for him to eat, that did not eat any thing to day. I would pray you to walk home with me, & to take part thankfully, of such as God shall send for the present. Flyer. I thank you sir. Having gotten the City again on my back, methinks I am as the Prodigal, that having left a company of filthy Swine behind him, hath got his Father's house on his bead, where he may feed comfortably, and sleep safely. CERTAIN POSITIONS, NECESSARILY to be held, for avoiding error: first, touching the Church; secondly, Antichrist. Touching the Church. 1 THE Church of God, had a visible being upon Earth, from Adam unto Christ, or else S. * Luke. 3.23. etc. Luke's draft of the Genealogy, were to small or no purpose. 2 The Church of God, from Christ's time hitherto hath, Math. 16.18. & ch. 28.20. Reu. 12 17. & ch. 21. 2-3 Gal, 4.26. and to the world's end shall ha●e, as true a visibility as the former; Christ having no less care over his Church in her Ful-age, than he had before in her Nonage. 3 But as the Church of the old Testament, was not always alike visible: so neither this of the new Testament. 4 For as the Church is compared to the Moon; so in the Moon we see much change; enough more, and enough less seeable and less glorious. And howsoever sometimes she be quite latent and hid to some part of the Earth, yet to some otherpart of the Earth, she is ever patent and visible. And even so it is with the Church in this life. 5 And as she is compared to a * Math. 13. 24. See for this, my Antidoton. Wheat-field, in the midst whereof some enemy doth secretly sow tars: So, she consisting of the Children of the Kingdom, shall have to her grief, Children of the wicked, in midst of her bosom. Howsoever at the first plantation by the Apostles through all Nati●ns, she was excellently visible; yet afterwards her Field is overgrown with evil, to the vexation of waking Ministers: And so she is to continue with grievance of spirit, till the great Harvest time, that there can be a separation made, without violence v●●o her body. 6 As she was represented by * 1 Cor. 3 16. & 2. Cor. 6.16. Salomon's Temple, which is enough all beauteous and rich; Enough robbed and spoiled, anon consumed to the Earth; but afterwards (as Ezekiel saw) raised up with greater glory: Even so, the Church in her beginning was glorious; by Kinkes bringing their Crowns to it, she became Rich. Afterwards, sacrilegious persons fleeced her of her Plate, carrying it into the house of their God Belly, not Bell. And in the end, she shall be laid flat with the Earth, and pass as refined through Fire. But an happy Resurrection shallbe made, to the augmentation of her glory-eternall. And that, and no other is her Re-plantation. 7 Idolatry set up in the Hy-places of Israel, from the time of their * 1. King. 12. 18. Schism from judah, till their deportation, it never caused a Nullity of the Church, howsoever a Diminution. And therefore it was, that the Lord not only called Israel his people, but also, raised up * As Elias. Eli●●a, Hoseih, Amos, jonah, with others. Prophets unto them continually; having also amongst them, whole schools of Prophets, and Prophet's children, even in the corruptest times. The same may be said of judah, when Idols were reared up in the Temple. The like also may be remembered of Israel in Egypt, Ezek. 20. 5. etc. The reason is rendered: sometimes for the sakes of a few, he spareth many. Sometimes again, he will not take the advantage against her, for his own names sake. 8 Sometimes the Church rests in orderly constitution, as in Iude●: sometimes shaken out of order, as was the Apostolical Church at jerusalem; and carried away captive, as the jews were for seventy years. And yet, whether in Constitution or out of Constitution, ordered or disordered, she was truly visible; Secundum Maius & Minus. A less privilege, the Church of the New Testament, cannot have. 9 That Commandment in Math. 18. Tell the Church, is an affirmative injunction, as is that, Three times a year every male shall come to jerusalem. As these three times a year could not be observed, when they were in Captivity: so neither the Church could be told, but when she was unscattered, and in some tolerable constitution. Commandments Affirmative do not always bind; but Negatives do. No evil forbidden, may be done at any time; but many Affirmatives enjoined, may sometimes be lawfully undone, because the occasion or means of doing them, is lacking. The Romanistes therefore press that Dic Ecclesiae to no purpose. 10 The Church so always, having some visible face, it must inevitably follow, that Hel-gates never prevailed against her. And so by consequent, that that doctrine of Faith in Christ which Peter peached in Math. 16. it never failed in the Church, but of some of her members, have been held and preached truly and effectually; and so, that is, the * In Revel. 14.6. it would be turned, The everlasting Gospel; rather then, An everlasting Gospel. Everlasting Gospel spoken of in the Revelation, which in the last times (maugre the Beast) is preached as far as the Heavens extend. Touching Antichrist and Antichristianisme. 1 ANtichrist, implieth either one that is opposite unto Christ; or one that taketh falsely upon him, the place of Christ. If he take upon him the place of Christ, it is (as the counterfeit Lamb in Reu. 13.) to dispense salvation by a contrary means; as is the doctrine of justification (before God) by Works; the Gospel saying the contrary, * Gal. 2.16. Not by Works, but by Faith. 2 As he is opposite unto Christ, so specially (and in Scripture-sense, in a manner, only) for that he teacheth a contrary Gospel; that is, A glad tidings contrary to that of Christ: and so it comes to the former, according to his title Antike●menos, observed from the 2. Thess. 2.4. given also in 1. Cor. 16.9. to such as opposed to the foundation of Faith, preached by the Apostle. Sottish therefore be such Schismatics, as have taught, that every evil is Antichristianisme. They may as well say, that every one of God's Children hath Antichristianisme in him; and in sinning whatsoever sin, he is an Antichrist. And as foolish have they been, who conclude all (under any Apostatical Pope) to be damned as limbs of Antichrist, when as under the most corrupt regiment, many (howsoever ignorantly stained with sundry evils) have held the gospels * 1. Cor. 3. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. foundation, even the doctrine of justification, most truly and sound: Sed uno m●lo concesso, sequuntur Infinita. 3 Antichristianisme so properly understood, is a matter of Doctrine, not of Discipline: a matter of Faith, not of external Policy. And not of any Doctrine, or any Faith: but a Doctrine opposite to that Faith which is to be had in Christ Ies● only, for perfect justification. An● that adverse Doctrine, is as that stin● of the Locust-scorpion in Revel. 9● which exceedingly paineth the se●duced soul, bringing it to plain des●peration. For howsoever the doctrine of justification by Works, doth look● amiably at the first blush; yet whe● that soul shall lay her Works to th● balance of the Law, it shallbe so farr● from finding comfort in it, as it shal● despair, & seek by untimely death's to strangle the Remembrance of it. 4 The Antichrist, or Antikeimenis● considered then as one Man, is th● whole corporation of such people, a● teach an opposite ground, to the ground of the Gospel; whereupon unhappily, they may build much other evil: but all that is of the By, no● of the Main; and yet condemnable also: With which Bianca, or evil accidents, the truest Church and Christian, in this life, hath, is, and shallbe more or less cumbered; and yet no● ●●erefore Antichristian, seeing she and ●ey be sound in the foundation of ●●e Gospel. For the Foundation ●eld, there may be Straw, and other fooleries (through ignorance or weakness) builded upon it, ●othing mutable to the ground, and yet the ●uilder saved, though (as the Apostle teacheth) * 1. Cor. 3.15. it be as by the Fire. But a contrary foundation laid and held till the end, it availeth nothing what Gold and Silver was builded upon it; for the foundation sinketh, and man and all (standing upon it) perisheth. 5 This * 2. Thess. 2. 3. Man of sin then, must be considered, not only in the whole, as one Corporation; but also in the parts or members, which concur to the being of that Body: and both of them according to their Place or situation. The principal members of that body, are registered of S. lo●n in his apocalypse, to have the Seven hilled City (Rome) for their place. The members in subordination to the former, are of him compared to Waters, for their multitude & variable noy●● of language, because that Rome w●● to have, people of many Languaged subject to the Doctrine, that shoul● flow from that Sea. What soul the● soever (whether in the Church of England, or other true Church) shall submit itself to Antikeimenisme, it longeth to the Romish-head. And whatsoever soul, within the territories of Rome, shall submit itself to the contrary foundation which is in Christ jesus, such a one appertaineth to that body, whereof Christ is the head: and indeed, is a fellow member with us. For every one that walketh, eateth, and sleepeth in a kings Court, is not therefore of that Court: no● every one that dwelleth, and hath ordinary communion with a Kingdom, is therefore one with that King in the foundation of subjection. None therefore, can justify all within a true usible Church, nor condemn all that be within the Beasts visible Kingdom; seeing all Within it, are not essentially Of it. Being one in the foundation, one is so essentially of it: but ●f severed in the fundamental point of obedience, than such a one is but a member Accidentally. And Accidents, specially proceeding of weakness, may burn and be consumed, without detriment to the foundation, or him that in humility resteth upon it. 6 Which ground held, the Romanist is easily answered: He asketh Where our Church was 200. years since? I answer; As there might be some part of the Church, in some part of the earth, though to us unknown, even as we are unknown to some parts of the earth: so, our Church hath been where their Synagogue hath been, and many of the members of it, still persecuted by them. Besides, they were to come into the Church, 2. Thess▪ 2.4 as tars came into the Wheat-field, by way of usurpation, not right. And this the Apostle foretold, when he saith, that the Antikeimenist should sit in the Temple of God. God reared a spiritual Temple at Rome, (as appeareth in the Apostles Epistle to that Church) but afterwards, the Man o● sin entered into the Lord's House, and there not only laboured, to overturn the foundation laid in Christs-blood, but also laid a contrary ground as fast, as he could pull up the other. Upon which, that Church became for constitution, like unto the ten Tribes of Isra●l, when their Calves were reared up: Which Calf since, in the time of the Romanistes, is turned to a Bull; howsoever we (with judah) cannot meet with the Pope's Bull, but we bait him. The verity of all this will better appear, when having read the Epistle to the Romans, it shallbe examined, whether we or they, be furthest departed from the verity of that Doctrine, which that Church first held: And then I am sure, that their part of the Cake, is like to prove dough: Amen. But as for the Romanist, he falls into the error of the left hand: and that kind of error, may come to be touched in his season. Thus briefly, touching the Church, and that her adversary, Antichrist▪ THE shepherds Elegiaque Epilogue. YOu Shepherds of our Lawns, leave off your lays, Alack (for woe) these be no joying days. While many of our Sheep do peak aside, Staring for Daintrels, in their height of pride, (O welladay) then prowling Reinard tears, And learing Wolves do take them by the ears; And from their jowls do squeeze the crimson die▪ Wherewith life ends. Accursed Phlebotomy. Or if you needs must strain an Oten-pipe, O let ' be green, so shall it cry and shriek; And bubble forth some iucy fainting tears, Which may procure some moans of all it hears. A need of jacob's staff (if e'er) to beat Back these bloodsuckers, which make Lambs their mea● Poor Lambs their meat, alack and welladay; Wring hand in hand, in room of Roundelay. Aminta'● Crown (f●● she was worth a Crown) Her Head I found (last day) aback the Down. There little Lucrece with her specked paul, Was fleest of all her Wool, poor pretty soul: But as she ready was to gasp last breath, I came (goodhap) and rescued her from death▪ Black Will that time was joorring of the Fox, And so escaped, with loss alone of locks. Great Meg was tangled in a cursed Briar, Bald-pated all, like to an holy Friar, That lately had been in the Pollers' hands: I trow (she will no more come in these bands. But ayes me man, aback the Poplar tree, Where Shepherds eat their shaled Pease with glee, And in the Trench (about that Table square, Compact of Dazy sods, but now all bare) There, there (woes me) three Tups have left their lives, With sundry seores of their poor Lambs and wives. here lies a lock, and there a scrap of skin, The botthom of the Trench, the bloods lies in: And then (vile sacrilege) the upper seat Where Umpire of the Shepherds sits at meat: There, there the Wolves have trampled and trod, And cast their Gorge upon the Royal sodde. Ye Shepherds of our Lawns, it resteth, All join heart and hand, for keeping of our Stall. We negligent have been (indeed) too long, While cruel Cattle are become too strong. We sing of matters far beyond the Sun, While all this mischief, here at home is done. I fear, I fear, that some in Shepherds pay, Be one in night with Wolves, with us ● the day. Iwis, our Master can but take it evil, His Sheep through lack of food, run to the Devil. Not every Sonnet is for self-same turn, (For some c●use joy, and some enforce to mourn) Strew, strew that fodder, fore your Charges faces. Which may them keep, from foreign uncouth places. And with your eye so lead them in the way, As (sylly-soules) they may no longer stray. They may no longer stray, but able be, Through all their flattering stratagems to see. Mean time I mourn, I mourn Maryah's stray, Return that Sheep o Lord; o Lord I pray. Return I humbly pray, Return them all, That truly long unto our masters stall. FINIS. Errata. Page 25. line 20. read implying. Pag. 33. line 17. read Midianite. Pag. 34. line 12. read calling. Pag. 46. line 11, read Antichri●t. Page 53. line 4, read peaceable.